Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the embodiment of Christmas cheer, featuring a fudgy chocolate center, creamy white chocolate, and refreshing crushed candy canes—perfect for cookie exchanges, neighbor gifts, and holiday parties.

Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are a must-have for holiday cookie exchanges, neighbor gifts, or festive gatherings. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

The BEST Christmas Cookie Recipes!

Blogger's BEST Christmas Cookie Recipes!

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My Cookie Exchange Tradition 🍪

8 Tips to Help You Host the ULTIMATE Cookie Exchange Party. I've been hosting an annual cookie exchange party for the past nine years. I'm sharing some tips to make hosting a festive cookie exchange!

8 Tips to Hosting the Perfect Cookie Exchange

For the past 15 years, I’ve hosted a cookie exchange, bringing friends and family together to share festive treats and holiday cheer. This recipe has quickly become a staple at our gathering—it’s simple enough for a busy holiday schedule yet impressive enough to make a statement on any cookie platter. Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies can be prepared ahead of time, stored for a week, or even frozen, making them ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday parties.

Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

1 box chocolate cake mix
2/3 cup chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup crushed candy canes

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly, giving you a decadent holiday treat in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Stir the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips to add extra fudgy texture to your cookies.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into uniform balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread slightly. Lightly flatten the balls with your hand or the bottom of a glass.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 minutes. They should look set on the edges but slightly soft in the center. This ensures a fudgy, chewy texture once they cool. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Crush the Candy Canes

While the cookies cool, place the candy canes in a large zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. Aim for a mix of fine dust and small chunks to create texture.

Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Work quickly to avoid the chocolate seizing or cooling before use.

Step 7: Decorate the Cookies

Using a spoon, drizzle or spread a small amount of melted white chocolate onto the center of each cookie. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate. Work in small batches to ensure the candy adheres before the chocolate sets.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool completely until the white chocolate hardens. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies deliver the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey goodness and refreshing peppermint crunch. They’re festive, flavorful, and easy to make ahead—perfect for holiday celebrations or a thoughtful homemade neighbor/teacher/friend gift.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your cake mix and candy canes are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Keep the White Chocolate Warm: Work quickly to ensure the white chocolate doesn’t harden before adding the candy cane pieces.
Customize the Topping: Try swapping crushed candy canes for festive sprinkles or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a fun twist.

Printable Recipe

Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
2/3 cup chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, flour, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips.
Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place on baking sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Crush candy canes using a rolling pin. Melt white chocolate in 20-second intervals until smooth.
Spread white chocolate on cookies and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Let set, then store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

Happy Holidays!

Make these Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies part of your holiday tradition, and bring a little extra joy to the season. They’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookie exchange!

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